Academy has trained nearly 3,6000 teachers impacting more than 230,000 students

IRVING, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Two hundred elementary school teachers from across the United States have been selected to attend the 2013 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy, a professional development program designed to enhance math and science teaching skills. Participants learn how to bring science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to life in the classroom, to inspire students to study and pursue careers in the critical fields.

"Today's teachers and students must learn how to 'speak science' to ensure we remain competitive as a nation," said PGA golfer Phil Mickelson. "The Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy encourages teachers to use real-world examples and in-class experiments to build excitement about STEM learning, educating the next generation of American innovators."

The successful educators teach third through fifth grade and were chosen from more than 1,500 applications submitted at www.sendmyteacher.com. Selection was based on teacher qualifications, dedication to inspiring students at an early age and overall commitment to enhancing the teaching profession. A panel of educators from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Science Teachers Association selected participants to attend the national academy, held July 22-26, 2013, at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, New Jersey.

The academy is an intensive, one-week, all-expenses-paid program developed in 2005 when ExxonMobil partnered with Mickelson and his wife, Amy. Launched with support from the National Science Teachers Association and Math Solutions, the initiative has trained 3,600 teachers benefiting more than 230,000 students nationwide. In addition to the 200 teachers attending this year's national academy in New Jersey, 400 more teachers will attend regional academies in Louisiana and Texas.

"The academy reaffirmed my belief that the classroom can and should be one of the most exciting places a child visits," said Krissy Venosdale, a teacher from St. Louis who attended in 2012. "Educators can reinvigorate their classrooms by sharing real-world applications of science and technology - like our country's space program."

Currently, U.S. students rank 17th and 25th globally in math and science, respectively, according to results from the 2009 Programme for International Student Assessment. Research from the National Science Foundation shows that eight of the 10 fastest growing job sectors require math and science skills. Professional development in these subjects builds confidence for educators to become further advocates for STEM while igniting a passion in their students.

"Today's teachers are critical to ensuring students are ready to pursue STEM related careers, and ExxonMobil recognizes the ongoing need to support these professionals," said Suzanne McCarron, Exxon Mobil Corporation's general manager of public and government affairs. "The academy equips teachers with the tools and strategies needed to build enthusiasm about math and science and develop future scientists and engineers."

The Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy is part of ExxonMobil's long-term commitment to education. The company supports initiatives that encourage students to take an active interest in math and science careers, support the professional development of highly qualified teachers and promote involvement by women and minority students.

For a complete list of teachers selected to attend the national 2013 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy, visit www.sendmyteacher.com. The application process for the 2014 academy, which will celebrate the program's 10th anniversary, opens today.

About Exxon Mobil Corporation

Globally, ExxonMobil provides funding to improve basic education, promote women as catalysts for economic development, and combat malaria and other infectious diseases in developing countries. In 2012, together with its employees and retirees, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYS: XOM) , its divisions and affiliates, and the ExxonMobil Foundation provided $256 million in contributions worldwide, of which $116 million was dedicated to education. www.exxonmobil.com/community

Phil and Amy Mickelson Foundation

Since its inception in 2004, the Phil and Amy Mickelson Foundation is focused on supporting a variety of youth and family initiatives including the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy and Smart Start. The Foundation's mission is to operate exclusively for charitable, educational and scientific purposes; established as a 501(c)3, it is a non-fundraising, private foundation. For more information visit www.PhilMickelson.com.

National Science Teachers Association

The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes approximately 55,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.

Math Solutions

Math Solutions, founded in 1984 by Marilyn Burns, has provided a wide range of professional development services and resource materials to more than 500 districts, in 47 states, helping more than 100,000 teachers and administrators across the country. For more information, visit www.mathsolutions.com.